Breathe in news about Arizona climate
Many of us are transplants from other cities around the country. We come here for the weather, the relaxed desert lifestyle and job opportunities, just to name a few reasons.
What about the health benefits? You’ve most likely heard that Arizona’s climate is beneficial to your health, especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory ailments, migraines or arthritis. But, things have changed over the last decade and Arizona’s climate is not as beneficial to your health as it used to be. Let’s look at common conditions and the solutions to alleviate them:
» Intermittent pain may be worsened with Arizona’s wide fluctuations in barometric pressure during the monsoon season and winter storms. Arizona storms move in and out faster than other states, so the changes in pressure are faster. The quick shift causes fluids to shift in your joint space and cause you to experience more pain.
Try going on a low carb or gluten-free diet during these times of the year for a few weeks to decrease total body water. When you eat these foods, your body produces glycogen to store energy. Glycogen causes the body to retain more water. Less water will reduce the sensation of increased pressure in your joints during barometric pressure fluctuations.
» Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances that lead to heart and
Your Health kidney problems. Evaporation minimizes the perception of sweating so we do not remember to drink water. Dizziness, fatigue and headaches are common symptoms of dehydration.
Drinking more water is the obvious solution (at least 8-10 glasses per day). But, you should also increase that amount by one-third if the temperature passes 80 degrees. If it’s over 100 degrees, aim to drink at least a gallon for every hour that you are outside.
» As our population has grown, people have brought their plants with them from other parts of the country. With transplant plants come new allergies in addition to the existing desert pollens and mold as a result of irrigation and rain during monsoon season. Arizona’s air quality has also deteriorated due to construction.
Stay inside on windy days and use a hepa filter in your house to circulate clean, fresh air.
» More than 200,000 people migrated to Arizona last year. With them came an increase in traffic and pollution. Since we live in a valley, a “brown cloud” of pollution gets trapped between the mountains. Plant allergens and dust particles in the air can cause symptoms to worsen. You may feel tired and experience increased nasal congestion, wheezing or develop a headache.
Keep hydrated and consider placing a swab of Vaseline, triple antibiotic ointment or mentholatum in your nose each morning to keep the tissues moist. It is OK to take over-the-counter remedies for a sinus headache but remember that these also tend to dry out your mucus membranes and should be used sparingly. Rinsing your sinuses with a Neti Pot may be more effective in the long run and won’t have side effects.
» There are many common pathogens leading to flulike symptoms in Arizona but two are endemic to our environment: Coccidioides immitis/ Coccidioides posadasii and the hantavirus. Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis, or cocci) is caused by the soil-dwelling fungus, coccidioides immittis or coccidiodes posadasii. The airborne fungal spores are inhaled into the lungs, where the infection starts. Most people experience flulike symptoms for a week or two and then the disease goes dormant. In others, particularly people with compromised immune systems, the disease may spread and affect other organ systems. It is important that you seek medical care if the “flu” lasts longer than 10 days in Arizona.
Avoid going outdoors on windy days or when the brown cloud is prominent. Also, lush landscapes harbor mold. If you have mold sensitivities, xeriscape your yard and revert to more native desert plants.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is caused by inhaling the droppings of rodents, most commonly the wild deer mouse. A person is infected by breathing in viral particles released into the air when infected rodents, their nests or their droppings are disturbed.
Clean up the rodent area, or any area with signs of droppings or urine, by spraying it with disinfectant. Let the area soak for 10-15 minutes. While wearing gloves, wipe up the area with paper towels or rags. Double-bag all paper towels, rags or gloves used in the cleanup. Dispose of them in the trash.
» Western equine encephalitis virus has become more prevalent in Arizona. This virus invades the nervous system and stems from mosquito bites.
Make sure you do not have standing water around your house, which attracts mosquitos. If you live in Maricopa County, you can report standing water and request that your area be sprayed for mosquitos. Stay indoors around sunrise and sunset to avoid high-density swarms. If you notice a problem, call to have the area fogged. Wear mosquito repellent during peak seasons like July and August.